Brussels, 24/05/2006 (Agence Europe) - On 24 May the Commission adopted a proposal for improving the way the Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) operates. Improvements are to be made to the efficiency of investigative activities, political governance of the Office, respect for procedural and individual rights at all stages of the investigation and the flow of information relating to investigations, while preserving OLAF's independence and confidentiality. The proposal for a Regulation amends and replaces the proposal of February 2004.
Addressing the press, the Commissioner responsible for the fight against fraud, Siim Kallas, pointed out that the consultations carried out since 2004 concluded that the structure of OLAF was satisfactory. The Commissioner noted that tensions between the Parliament and the OLAF Supervisory Committee had been reduced and that the Commission did therefore not envisage a root and branch up-hauling of working methods at OLAF but rather an improvement in political governance by putting into place structured dialogue between the Supervisory Committee and representatives from the Parliament, Council and Commission. Kallas said that meetings would take place at least twice a year and would facilitate discussions on strategic priorities, guarantee best practices between institutions and ensure the efficiency of OLAF's work. The Commissioner explained that, “we are continuously holding discussions to find out what the targets will be in OLAF investigations” and that, for example, OLAF is expected to hold hearings into cases of internal fraud. The Commissioner was extremely pleased to say that “fortunately” there were not many of these kinds of cases but that OLAF had to cooperate more with services in Member States to combat counterfeiting and damage to the financial interests of the EU.
The Commission is also proposing that OLAF is able to decide on whether to go to a legal body of a Member State or rather an administrative body when small-scale irregularities are identified (Mr Kallas referred to the case involving € 44). The Commission is suggesting that the length of procedures is reduced (it is currently standing at an average of 23 months) and that beyond 12 months, the General Director of the Office is obliged to provide a written justification for investigations to be pursued. The defence rights of people under investigation will also be increased. According to the proposals OLAF will inform the European institutions involved in an investigation as well as the individuals subject to investigation. The Commission is also requesting that Member States inform OLAF of the follow-up they have taken in respect of the investigations. The General Director's mandate is expected to go from 5 year renewable contract to a 7 year non-renewable contract.